Summer is fun. The days are long and when school is out, everything seems to relax a little. Maybe it’s because people travel more or engage in their hobbies more. Folks go camping and hiking, boating or water skiing and many times, dogs are part of the fun. But what about summer might pose a risk to your dog, other then the usual threats, like snakes, heat, and bugs? Here are some summer risks that you might not have thought of.
1. Active dogs are at risk for traumatic injury.
We know that active dogs are at risk for heat stroke, but playing games like Frisbee can increase the chances of orthopedic injuries, too. Heading out on a hike? Overzealous dogs can suffer sprains, strains and fractures while frolicking on the trails.
Accidents and injuries can also occur during summer camping trips, especially when there is water involved. Strong currents can sweep dogs away while too much swimming can lead to exhaustion, drowning, or water intoxication.
We definitely don’t want you to stop having fun. Just be aware that you are not the only one who can be injured during summer activities. Whatever you have planned, make sure you know how to reach the nearest veterinary ER as well the human one.
2. Dogs that go along on summer trips are at risk of becoming lost.
If you take your dog camping or on wilderness adventures, be sure that she wears a collar with your contact info and is permanently identified with a microchip. That way, if she wanders to other campers or a park ranger, they can help her find her way home. Choosing a breakaway collar is another way to increase safety.
3. Warm weather + more dogs outside = higher risk of infectious diseases.
Be mindful of infectious disease risk in areas frequented by dogs from different locations. It is like a viral playground where all the children drink from the same water glass, only in this case, it might be a puddle on the ground where every dog that passed has lapped (as well as the coyotes and other wildlife).
Ask your vet to make sure that your dog is vaccinated for diseases like Leptospirosis. Make sure he/she knows that you take your dog with you hiking or camping (or even just on walks around the neighborhood). These infectious agents are out there and many of them thrive in the warm moist summer days.
With a little bit of forethought and preparation, you can talk with your vet about these risks and add (or catch up) any needed vaccines. While you are there, you can have your dog’s microchip scanned and update all the contact info (or get one if there isn’t one). And maybe the summer is a good excuse for a new reflective collar too. It is always a good idea to know where the emergency facilities are where ever you go. Don’t let the dog days get you down. Go out and enjoy… and don’t forget the dog!
Toledo, United States.
